The Golden Question

We live in a fast-moving culture and it can feel like we are playing catch-up even at the start of the day.  As executive leaders in nonprofits or the marketplace, it is easy to get caught in the perpetual cycle of “putting out fires” or crippled under the tyranny of the urgent.

When will this cycle end? Simply put, when are you ready to end it?

It often takes something dramatic for us to stop and pause to consider how we can get ahead and make an impact on our life’s work.

A more practical question that will cause you to think differently, act differently, and make better decisions is……

How do you create scale and sustainability?

This question alone will either frustrate you or challenge you….either way, your mindset needs to be challenged and coached.

Scaling an organization and sustaining growth must come through CREATION of culture and leadership that can expand and grow ahead of the proverbial “curve”.  We cannot have a culture where the “sacred cows”, egos, and politics stand in the way of growth and change.

Let’s look at three key areas of leadership and organizations where “scale and sustainability” must be the framework:

• In Carol Dweck’s book Mindset, he challenges you to consider a positive growth mindset through these questions…..
  1. What are the possibilities?
  2. What is realistic?
  3. What will be the obstacles? How do I plan for contingencies based on these obstacles?
• Your organization must have the right people, in the right roles, with the right vision.
  1. If people don’t know the mission and vision in one sentence or less, how can they help you scale and sustain?
  2. People can hinder growth and cause major delays based on your leadership and their capacity to perform and grow.
  3. Do you have people that scale with you or will you outgrow them? Will they outgrow you? Examine your tendency to keep people in roles because you fear losing “control”. Evaluating yourself and team is critical.
• Systems must grow with you and your organization. As you launch, as you recalibrate, and as you assess your organization, the processes and systems must be at the top of your list.
  1. Do you have a quarterly or semiannual process and systems review?
  2. Who has input and permission to provide perspective?
  3. What processes and systems have been created because of your organization's lack of discipline and accountability in other areas? We see this every day in every organization we work with.

Creating scale and sustainability as a way of work life is exciting, but it can feel daunting. It can feel like just something that would be “nice to have”. But is it not optional.  Make time during your monthly and quarterly review to evaluate your organization, this approach should be a non-negotiable. We can walk, run, and partner with you to ensure your priorities align with your growth and the health of your organization.